The MiG-29SMT’s maiden flight came in 1998 and mass production began in 2004.

It has six external ordnance stations and carries a variety of air-to-air missiles.

It can hold up to two R-27T medium-range infrared-guided missiles or two long-range R-27ER or R-27ET missiles, or up to six RVV-AE medium-range missiles. It can also carry up to six R-73E short-range missiles.

It can carry air-to-surface missiles. too.

It can hold two Kh-29T or Kh-29L air-to-surface missiles, up to four Kh-25M missiles, or two Kh-31A anti-ship missiles and two Kh-31P anti-radar missiles. It can also hold up to four KAB-500 guided bombs.